Ask Now Show Hampton Roads: LaQuayle Agurs

Recently, popular series like Fox's Empire and BET's Being Mary Jane have been discussing mental health and suicide. This is very interesting due to the fact that many African american families have made mental health a very taboo topic. On this episode of the Ask Now Show I spoke to LaQuayle Agurs, the first ever Miss HBCU. We discussed the significence of historically black colleges, suicide prevention, and her amazing plans for life after graduation!

@MissHBCUPageant

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide please call this number 1-800-273-8255. Never be afraid to share your story. Check out this week's episode here and let me know your thoughts. 

<33 @askKirbyCarroll 

Ask Now Show Hampton Roads: Dominique da Diva

The first episode of the Ask Now Show features media personality Dominique da Diva. Dominique is one of my favorite media personalites, and she's based in the Virginia Beach area. She's been in radio for almost ten years and is in her twenties. Ask anyone in the media industry and they'll tell you, that alone shows she is talented. In addition to being in radio she's made quite a name for herself with a following of over 47,000 online and creating and hosting exclusive events.

In this episode we discuss the topic of entrepreneurship, establishing a brand, and the power of social media. We also have a lot of girl talk and discuss her dating life, celebrity crushes and mobile app that will be available everywhere Thursday, June 16, 2016.

Check it out here and let me know your thoughts. You can follow Dominique on social media at @Dominiquedadiva. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #AskNowShow.


Thanks for watching!
<33 @askKirbyCarroll

The Ask Now Show is BACK

The Ask Now Show is finally back, and I am so excited about this season. The Ask Now show is a talk series that discusses topics submitted by college students and young professionals. Every episode features a special guest that is conversational and well versed on the topic.

Last season the series featured talent in the DC Metropolitan area. This time we are featuring my hometown Hampton Roads, VA. 

 In May of 2015 I received my Master's degree in producing for television and film. I was determined to find a network producing job in the fast pace city.  Sadly, I could not find a job in the DC area. It was very humbling to return home and start the job search all over again. But, God works in mysterious ways because soon after I came home I realized that's where I needed to be for awhile. 

I gained a media position that's helped fund AKC LLC projects. I've also been able to spend time and care for my family and loved ones. Lastly, I fell back in love with VA energy. We have so much talent and interesting people here. There is such a wide range of talent but for some reason its very unknown. 

Well this season I spoke to some of the biggest talent in the area. These people range from media personalities, student leaders and politicians. I spoke candidly about the topics readers submitted and tried to ask all the questions they'd want to know. 

Ask Now Season 1 was so important to me. It was me taking a big leap of faith, and I'm unapologetically happy it. However, I was a lot safer in my questioning and personality. I really feel like this season was more REAL. I argued back with some of the guests, selected controversial talent and obtained sponsors for  captivating locations. 

The afternoon of June 14th the first episode will be released. I invite you guys to check it out and give me your opinion. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #AskNowShow or reaching out via social media @askKirbyCarroll. 

-- <33 @askKirbyCarroll 

Scandal Live

Thursday, April 28, 2016 I attended Scandal-ous: an evening with the cast and executive producers, presented by the Smithsonian. Anyone who follows or knows me at all knows, I'm obsessed with Scandal and Shonda Rhimes. It is literally one of my all-time favorite shows. Scandal is created by not only a woman, but an African american woman. The main character is also a black woman and it is based off of public relations powerhouse, Judy Smith. But, aside from all of that-the story, directing and acting is amazing. It never stops keeping you engaged and interested. Okay, I'll stop myself from going into the "Scandal/Shonda is great rant." Because, it can go on for awhile.

I traveled about three hours to get to the event and made it there right at 7PM. It started with us watching the newest episode of Scandal. It was so fun to watch with other fans (gladiators) of the show because we got to see everyone else's reactions. There were many laughs, sighs, applauses and gasps throughout the forty minutes. It made me feel weirdly happy to know other people get just as emotionally stressed out while watching the show.

Shonda Rhimes and Cast 

At the conclusion of the episode Shonda Rhimes and the cast appeared on-stage. The cast included Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope), Tony Goldwyn (Fitzgerald Grant), Bellamy Young (Mellie Grant),  Katie Lowes (Quinn Perkins), Guillermo Diaz (Huck) and Jeff Perry (Cyrus Bean). There was a Q&A that discussed elements like table reads, the connection to the characters, actors input to the script, the importance of casting, story-telling, wardrobe and more. One of the highlights was Shonda Rhimes telling everyone that the script is not intentionally trying to mirror the election. In fact, she was very surprised to see that their is such a similar "character" in the election now. (Obviously Donald Trump is very similar to Hollis Doyle. I'll say it for you Shonda, I got you girl. ) Bellamy Young followed up saying, "hopefully we have our real first female president soon." Tony Goldwyn also discussed the balance of directing and acting and how different of an experience it is. He made jokes about having to "try that scene" again in reference to the love scenes with Kerry Washington.

It was very nice to see how the cast interacted with each other. They seemed very comfortable and there was a lot of laughter and genuine energy. At one point, Kerry Washington passionately explained to the audience how grateful she is to be able to be apart of such important and impactful stories. In fact she said that the next episode will be one of the most powerful episodes ever. They also mentioned that the season finale will be another one for the books!

That experience was amazing. Shonda Rhimes is literally living my dream. To see her in person was kind of surreal to me. To say it was inspiring seems way too minimal. Instead I'll say I'm thankful for the experience and I'l never forget it.

Are you guys excited for the finale? What are your thoughts on Scandal this season? What are your thoughts on the similarities to the election?

Comment or tweet me your thoughts

--- @askKirbyCarroll 

Atlanta, Youtube & YOU

There's so much I miss about Atlanta. The energy and excitement is so unique. You're able to live in a house on the hill surrounded by trees and friendly neighbors, while still being only moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not to mention there's Clark Atlanta, the amazing nightlife, and the never ending Southern cuisine. However, in my opinion, what is the most special about Atlanta is it's growing and evolving media landscape and the individuals who are using it to pave their own way.

When I lived there I was lucky enough to meet one of those people, Russell Rainey. At the time he was simply a film student with big dreams and an intense passion for filmmaking. He now is a producer and director who makes his sole income from the creation and distribution of filmmaking .

His latest project is called Detective A.J.  The film takes place in an alternative future, a time where humans and androids (robots that resemble humans), live among each other. The story follows A.J -a normal guy who is wrongly accused for a murder. Check out the trailer below.

Social media and the internet has changed the game for creatives and freelancers. If you want to create something--just put it out. I admire people who have the courage to go after their dreams and turn them into fruition. What are your goals? I used Atlanta, because it has a special place in my heart. But, the truth is you can be anywhere. 

Anyways, I'm just Sunday venting. Check out the trailer and don't forget to subscribe to Russel's channel. We have to support each other! Let me know what you think. I love my sci-fi! :) 

Join Me At Sistertalk in DC!

On March 19, 2016 at Spice Suite in Washington DC I'll be moderating #SisterTalk, the next event in the Black Girls Do series created by Leah J of Fresh Daily Inc.. The inspiration of this event came from a moment many black women can relate to. Remember the holidays we'd sit in the kitchen with the women in our family and listen to them talk? Maybe they were speaking about social issues, music, new recipes, or the latest family drama. Whatever the conversation, it was beautiful. This event was created to mimic that feeling with a twist. 

Click to Purchase Tickets 

During #Sistertalk we will prepare and dine in a three course meal courtesy of Get Plated catering. We will then engage in open dialogue on various issues and topics that relate to black women. 

This is a great event for women who enjoy networking, exclusive events, engaging dialogue and good food. 

Click the picture above to RSVP and please share with your networks. Tickets are on sale today! 

Advanced tickets are $25 but they will go up to $50 soon so get them fast!

I'm really excited that Leah J, FreshDaily, and Black Girls DO felt that I was conducive to their brand and are allowing me to be involved so heavily! 
I hope to see you there! 

IG: BlackGirlsDO #blackgirlsdo 
Tweet me and let me know if you're going! Use the hashtag #Sistertalk 
<33 @askKirbyCarroll

Merry Christmas From AKC

Hey Guys!

I hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas. Remember the reason for the season and I hope your are spending it with the people closest to your heart.

Seemed appropriate being that it's 70 degrees in VA today :) 

Thank you for your support in 2015. I'm so excited about all the great things to come in 2016.

Have a blessed one!

<33 AKC